HISTORY

Kitty Hawk was where controllable powered flight began but Wings Field near Philadelphia is where much of the early progress in aviation was made.

Airport lighting used the world over started in a small shop at Wings Field. Navy pilots avoided accidents because of a device developed at Wings. The first autopilot for general aviation aircraft was tested at Wings Field. The largest civil aviation organization in the world, AOPA, started at Wings Field. Low cost practical radio navigation and communication started at Wings Field. The autogiro, forerunner of the helicopter, was tested at Wings Field. Glider and balloon records were set by Wings aviators. Wings and its people contributed mightily to America’s actions in World War II. Known after the war as the “mecca of corporate aviation,” Wings played an early and central role in the rapid development of air transport for business. Thousands of aviators – including the third astronaut to walk on the moon, airline pilots, military heroes, mechanics, and businesses – got their starts at Wings. The notable and the famous, from personalities to presidents, have used Wings Field.

So rich is the history of this illustrious airport that it takes a 200 page book with 216 photographs to tell its story. Wings Field Autobiography by Wings Field (with a little help from aviation writer Charles Spence) details the people, places, and events surrounding one of the oldest and best airports in the United States.



Historic Highlights

1776 John Jones sells 107 acres to Michael Hawk.
At his death he willed land to his daughter, Susanna Berkimer.
At her death the deed passed to her daughters.
Over the years, numerous persons owned the acreage.
At the time the area was first considered for an air field, the owners were Henri and Anna Merriken.
1929 John Story Smith opens an aviation business, called Wings Corp., at Camden Central Airport to sell Waco aircraft.
Lew Barringer and Abby Wolf land at Merriken farm, find it for sale.
1930 J.Story Smith buys acreage on May 23 to be used as airfield.
Barn converted to offices, hangar, maintenance shop, caretaker’s apartment.
Smith moves Wings Corporation from Camden Central Airport to Wings Field, which was initially called Wings Port.
Glider school established.
Two maintenance persons hired.
Whitpain population: 2,328
1931 Smith and wife sell field to Wings Corporation.
The first two hangars are built, now hangars # 3 and # 4.
Barringer begins operating Wings Flying School.
1932 Philadelphia Aviation Country Club opens. (April 24, 1932)
1938 Hangars # 1 and 2 built.
1939 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) formed at Wings Field.
1940 Ford Trimotor owned by Radio Corporation of America uses field frequently, often staying over periods of time.
Whitpain population: 2,451
1940 3 turf runways established by cutting grass at different levels.
1946 Hangar #6 added.
First Brantly helicopter flew.
First DC-3 based on field.
Runway lights added.
Beacon installed.
Wings Luncheonette opens
1954 Runway 6/24 paved.
1955 General hangar made of steel completed.
1958 NDB installed.
1959 81 aircraft based at Wings Field.
1960 Whitpain population: 7,331
1962 Putnam Group reports 72,000 annual aircraft operations at Wings.
1965 Outstanding General Aviation Facilities Award presented.
Container Corporation brings first turbine-powered airplane to be based at the field, a Merlin II.
1966-67 Hangar # 5 constructed adjacent to general hangar on hill.
1967 Fuel tank for Jet-A installed.
1970 Whitpain population: 9,295
1971 Evening Bulletin article reports that Wings is the fifth busiest airport in Pennsylvania.
1972 J. Story Smith dies.
Henry McNeil and Richard Fox buy airfield and operate under name of Pennsylvania Aviation, Inc. (August 1, 1972)
1974 Parallel taxiway added.
1977 Wings Airways begins scheduled airline service. (February 21, 1977)
1980 Whitpain population: 11,772 FAA reports 39,800 annual aircraft operations at Wings Field.
First residents move in to homes on Dundee Drive.
1983 Runway and taxiway repaved. Henry McNeil dies. (May 2, 1983) First residents move in to homes in the Whitpain Farms retirement community.
1991 Wings Airways ceases operation.
1994 Executives of Claneil Enterprises want to sell airfield.
Talk with potential buyers continues into 1995.
1997 DVRPC reports 35,076 annual aircraft operations and 95 based aircraft at Wings Field.
1998 WFPA buys field. (October 30, 1998)
2000 Whitpain population: 18,562 DVRPC reports 32,626 annual aircraft operations and 105 based aircraft at Wings Field.
2001 FAA grant received to extend runway from 2650’ to 3700’. Airfield reopens to fixed wing aircraft.
2003 DVRPC reports 39,293 annual aircraft operations and 105 based aircraft at Wings Field.
2004 Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS-3) commissioned, March 2003.
2005 Wings celebrates 75th anniversary with gala event.
2006 Whitpain Supervisors approve construction of building to house snow removal equipment and Wings plan for parking apron for visiting aircraft; small group of neighbors file appeal of Supervisors’ ruling.
118 aircraft based at Wings Field.